U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew her name for consideration as Secretary of State, following weeks of blistering criticism from Republicans who claimed she deliberately misled them about the American consulate attack in Benghazi, Libya. With lukewarm support coming from the White House, it was a smart move. After all — and especially in D.C. — if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be giving the keynote speech at the Republican National Convention today — provided Hurricane Isaac doesn’t destroy the state first. (No worries — Rep. Todd Akin insists that a state can “shut things down” in the event of a “legitimate storm.”) Christie is considered a charismatic and entertaining speaker, so it’s hoped that he’ll energize and unite the party before Romney officially gets the nomination.